Most students start their personal statement by asking, “What should I write about?”

That’s the wrong starting point.

In this episode, Steve explains why the topic is not the essay-- and why strong essays usually reveal three layers:

•  the external problem 
•  the internal journey 
•  the deeper reason the story matters 

Before students begin drafting, they need to understand what their essay is actually trying to reveal: who they are, what they value, and why it matters.

For students who have been through the Ivy League Challenge, this is the moment to connect the dots between core values, meaningful impact, personal growth, and application strategy.

Register for the workshop at TILC.to/essay